In many ways, the turning point of the contest came on 67 minutes, as Khalfan came on for Philippe Davies in what was the winger's first appearance for the club since his 90-minute performance for his native Tanzania in last Monday's international friendly versus Brazil.
On 68 minutes, the Whitecaps pulled themselves level with a fine headed goal by Haber. The Vancouver native - who just had his loan extended to cover next week's away match versus Puerto Rico Islanders - connected with Nash's corner at the near post to make it 1-1 for his first goal in USSF D-2 and the second of his loan spell. Nash's assist on the equalizer, meanwhile, took him to 99 points on the Whitecaps career leader list.
Haber's goal gave Vancouver a major shot of confidence, and while Austin could only see strikes from Johnson, Olum, and substitute Joey Worthen miss their intended target, the visitors went on to claim all three points in the dying stages.
On 81 minutes, Haber turned provider by slipping a pass to Khalfan on the edge of the Aztex box. The midfielder then teed up a sublime left-footed strike that flew past a diving Gallardo-Aparicio and into the far corner of the Aztex goal for a 2-1 Whitecaps lead. It was the East African's first-ever goal for Vancouver, and he celebrated it in style with his teammates by the near-side corner flag.
Khalfan's strike was a fine sight to behold for Whitecaps fans, and with the match edging towards the end, the energy over having overcome a one-goal deficit brought more chances for the Tanzanian and fellow goalscorer Haber.
The best of those late opportunities saw Khalfan roll a low shot across the face of Austin's goal following a pulsating run down the right flank on 86 minutes, while in the three minutes of time added on, Khalfan turned provider for Haber, as his excellent through ball allowed the striker to break in on goal. Gallardo-Aparicio, however, was on hand to stop the Whitecaps forward from extending Vancouver's lead.